VW recalls 2012-2013 Beetle models with leather seats over airbags

by: Zach Bowman

Volkswagen is recalling 2,471 Beetle models over faulty occupant control modules in the front passenger seat. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if the seat in certain 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles gets wet, the module may malfunction and may not detect the presence of a child restraint. If that happens, the airbag will not shut off and will deploy in the event of a collision. Such a scenario could greatly increase the risk of serious child injury.

As a remedy, Volkswagen technicians will replace the control modules free of charge. The automaker hasn't released a schedule of when the recall will begin, but owners can expect to be notified of the campaign soon. You can view the official NHTSA recall notice below for more information.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen recalled 83 2012 Beetle models for being equipped with the wrong tires.

Fiat builds one-millionth 500

by: Zach Bowman

Fiat has constructed 1 million new 500 models. The company says that the milestone model rolled off the line at the manufacturer's Fiat Auto Poland facility. The one millionth 500 is a Lounge model with optional three-layer Bianco Perla exterior paint.

While the quirky little European runabout touched down on US shores for the 2011 model year, the hatchback has been on sale in the EU since 2007. In fact, Fiat sells the compact in more than 100 countries. While the North American model features a few aesthetic differences, including a revised front fascia, the car retains much of its European flair.

North American buyers have responded by dragging home a full 70,000 units since the model debut on our side of the globe. Each of those vehicles were manufactured at the Fiat plant in Toluca, Mexico. You can check out the brief press release below for more information on the Fiat 500 and the company's production achievement.

Chevrolet builds Sonic B-Spec racer concept

by: Zach Bowman

 
Chevrolet Performance worked over the Chevrolet Sonic just for this year's SEMA show to create this B-Spec racecar concept. Built to conform to all of rules and regulations of the B-Spec subcompact classes in both the SCCA and the Grand-Am series, the five-door features new coilovers on all four corners with revised mounts, adjustable front stabilizer bar links and a rear axle shim kit. The requisite air inlet restrictor has also been shoved in place, and the ECM and EBCM have been recalibrated accordingly. That's exciting in all, but we're more thrilled about the fact that Chevrolet says the parts are intended for production as a kit any consumer can buy.

That would leave competitors to independently source pricey pieces like the roll cage, seat and associated harnesses. The automaker says some of the parts may change en route to production, including the lightweight 15-inch alloy wheels.

Underhood, buyers can expect to find a stock 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to a factory five-speed manual gearbox. Look for the production kit to go on sale in the first quarter of 2013. Check the full press blast below for more information.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class dubbed most successful launch in company history

by: Jonathon Ramsey

 

When we drove the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class earlier this year, we called it "likely the most important Mercedes-Benz passenger car since the old 190 turned into the C-Class "Baby Benz" back in 1993." And just like that car opened all kinds of new doors for The Three-Pointed Star, the A-Class looks to be doing the same. Autocar reports that pre-orders in Western Europe number 70,000, a figure that would represent a ten-percent conversion rate of potential customers invited to pre-launch events.

That would also make the third-generation A-Class the most successful car launch in Mercedes history, an auspicious start for a car with a heavy burden. The segment continues to expand and will be a key battleground, especially as both Mercedes and Audi plan on being the number one luxury carmaker by 2020, taking over from BMW. The uptake of the standard model bodes well for the fortunes of the CLA sedan and the utility variant to come.

Hyundai shows SEMA-bound Veloster by Ark Performance

by: Chris Tutor

 
Want your car to reflect as well as enable your active lifestyle? Then you may want to check out the ARK Performance "Alpine" concept coming to this year's SEMA show.

Ark began with standard 201-horsepower Hyundai Veloster Turbo and, using various bits from the Ark catalog, ramped power up to 232 horses with a torque boost to 240 pound-feet. The extra oomph comes from an ARK exhaust, test pipe and turbo up-pipes, a K&N intake, Nitrous Express Proton kit, Ark oil cooler and a Koyo radiator.

Beneath the coupe is an Ark coilover system, big brake kit and strut bar. The wheels are Gram Light 57Xtremes.

But SEMA is as much about looks as it is about fast. An Ark/Adro body kit and CF Rally Wing was covered in Custom Pearl White by Beyond Coachworks. JPM Coachworks outfitted the Veloster with a matching "Alpine Edition" interior featuring custom seats, instrument panel, steering wheel and headliner. Alcantara, mildew-repelling Italian leather and WeatherTek material. A Seibon Carbon hood and deck lid are accented by 180 Customs head and tail lights.

Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars

by: Seyth Miersma

Ford has revealed a few images of five tuned Focus ST concepts that will be shown off at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this month. None of this group of five is overly subtle, which would run counter to the spirit of SEMA itself, and all hope to highlight the performance nature of Ford's newest hot hatch. In no particular order then, here are the quick-and-dirty facts on each car, in advance of the full details out of Vegas:

1. 2013 Ford Focus ST by Tanner Foust Racing (top): X Games warrior Tanner Foust wanted his ST to be able to go from work to the track, while not being too harsh for commuting in Southern California. A body kit, MagnaFlow exhaust and fully adjustable front and rear suspension have been added.
2.  2013 Ford Focus ST by Bojix Design (upper left): The Bojix Design car stands out mostly for its eye-catching orange paint, black hood and low-rider stance. Upgraded brakes and coil-over springs are noted performance adds.
3.  2013 Ford Focus ST by M&J Enterprises (upper right): M&J partnered with Ford, Cosworth LLC for ultimate performance. Ford Racing engine and suspension upgrades result in an aggressively fast car putting out some 330 horsepower.
4. 2013 Ford Focus ST by Galpin Auto Sports (lower left): The sinister Galpin car, rocking some shockingly green wheels, was meant as a rally car-inspired build. The menacing looks of the body kit are backed by methanol injection and larger brakes, creating a car that the tuner claims is rally-ready.
5. 2013 Ford Focus ST by Steeda Autosports (lower right): Steeda has added its own "G-Trac" suspension to its SEMA Focus, as well as Brembo brakes and a custom 19-inch wheel and tire package.