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May 19

New 2013 BMW 135is Attempts to Console Bereaved Bimmerphiles

2013 BMW 135is Coupe Photo

BMW has had a difficult time figuring out how to market a small, fun, appealing car in the U.S., ironic considering that it was the iconic 2002 that originally put BMW on Americans’ radar. Today, the BMW 1 Series serves as the entry-level Bimmer, starting at $32,095, a $3,700 discount from the cheapest 3 Series Sedan. Equipped with a smooth 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and a 3,200-lb. curb weight, a basic 128i will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to BMW.

THE 1 SERIES IS SO UGLY THAT IT’S CUTE

The problem with the BMW 1 Series is that when you’re spending upwards of 30 grand, bumping yourself another 12 percent in price to get the 3 Series model’s extra doors, bigger back seat, roomier trunk, and manlier styling isn’t that big a stretch. Look at the 1 Series. With those wide-eyed headlights and its Bangle-era flame-surfaced nonsense, this BMW is so ugly that it’s cute. Like a Pug. If you’re into that sort of thing. FIND OUT HOW BMW IS TRYING TO MAN THE 1 SERIES UP…

May 18

Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan Recalled for Liftgate Problem

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Photo

Surfer dude had better be careful while loading up his stick, because instead of a shark taking a chomp out of his arm, his 2012 Grand Caravan (yeah, improbable, right?) might. That is, if it’s included in a Chrysler recall of 471 minivans to replace a faulty right-side liftgate pinch sensor.

In all seriousness, you’re going to want to keep the kids away from the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country or 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan that you’ve purchased or rented if it has a power tailgate — at least until you confirm that it’s not one of the affected minivans. The faulty sensor means that if something is blocking the tailgate from closing, like your child’s arm, “increased force may be required in order to stop the power liftgate during final closing stages,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Free repairs are underway at a dealership near you. If you have concerns, reference NHTSA Campaign ID number 12V191000 when calling the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236, or Chrysler recall number M17 when contacting the automaker at 1-800-853-1403.

– Christian Wardlaw

May 18

Ford Recalls F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator

2012 Ford F-150 Photo

Ford is recalling the F-150 pickup, Mustang, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator to fix a problem with their reversing lights. Separately, a very small number of 2012 Ford F-150 trucks need to go back to the dealership to have a problem with the front passenger airbags resolved.

2012 FORD F-150 AIRBAG OCCUPANT SENSOR RECALL

Ford is recalling 101 of its F-150 pickups that were built during the first half of November, 2011. These vehicles have front passenger airbag occupant classification sensors with incorrect software installed, which means that the airbag “may not deploy as it should, may not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.” Obviously, this is a safety problem, and Ford is notifying owners and plans to begin repairing the affected vehicles, free of charge, on May 21. You can contact Ford directly for more information at 1-866-436-7332. Tell ‘em NHTSA Campaign ID number 12V198000 sent you. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FORD RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSORS…

May 17

Ford Recalls 2012 Expedition and 2012 Lincoln Navigator for Faulty Head Restraints

The 2012 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicles are some of the last old-school (body-on-frame) passenger trucks out there. While we don’t really consider the behemoths Speedy Daddy material, many of you still have them in your garages so this safety-related recall is of interest.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 569 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators that were built with rear seat head restraints that fail to meet federal safety standards for protecting passengers during a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the restraints in the second-row, right-hand seat were inadequately welded and may fail in a collision. Of course, this would likely increase the risk of injury in some crashes. Ford will notify owners, who may bring their vehicles to dealerships for a replacement free of charge. For more information, contact Ford’s toll-free customer relationship center (866-436-7332).

– Michael Harley

May 17

BMW 3 Series Recall Issued for Head Restraints

2012 BMW 3 Series

Everyone seems to have fallen head-over-heels for the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series. Offered with a powerful, yet fuel-efficient, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (in addition to the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder) the compact sedan is not only a joy to drive but miserly when it comes to consumption. It is, in the most definite sense, a Speedy Daddy-recommended sport sedan.

Unfortunately, first-year models are often plagued with minor issues, and the 2012 BMW 3 Series is no exception. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 7,600 vehicles manufactured between October 18, 2011 and March 18, 2012 for faulty head restraints. It seems the head restraints may move slightly in a collision, thereby increasing the risk of an injury. BMW will notify owners and schedule a dealer service to install a clamp at no charge. In the meantime, questions may be directed at BMW Customer Relations (800-525-7417) or to the NHTSA Hotline (888-327-4236).

– Michael Harley

May 17

2014 Chevrolet SS Confirmed, Caprice Name Reserved for Cop Cars

2014 Chevrolet SS Picture

Chevrolet has finally confirmed what we’ve assumed all along: a full-size, V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan is returning to the Chevy lineup after a 17-year absence. The difference is that it will be called the 2014 Chevrolet SS, not the Caprice.

A Caprice is pictured above, and is essentially the defunct Pontiac G8 with a wheelbase stretch and modified styling. We expect that the new 2014 Chevy SS will feature a more aggressive appearance than this car displays. Based on the Holden Commodore, the new Chevy SS sedan shares basic platform architecture with the Camaro, will be built in Australia, and could also be imported in station wagon and “ute” format (think El Camino).

The NASCAR version of the new Chevy SS will debut in the 2013 Daytona 500. The production 2014 SS goes on sale at the end of 2013.

SPEEDY DADDY ASKS…

Will the new Chevy SS have a V6 in addition to a V8? Will it be able to compete given its already aging platform? Is this all just a marketing ploy to justify calling its NASCAR racer the SS? Wouldn’t you still rather have one of those rare Pontiac G8 GXPs?

– Christian Wardlaw

May 17

2012 Honda Pilot Road Test Drive – Falling in Love with Functionality

2012 Honda Pilot Touring 4WD Photo

Let’s get something out of the way right up front: the 2012 Honda Pilot is not fun to drive in the traditional sense. It is not an SUV that can tackle a difficult trail, like a Toyota 4Runner. Neither is it an SUV that can blast down a twisty road, like a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Yet my Speedy Family fell in love with it during a 750-mile tryst because the Pilot is so completely and utterly functional in daily family life. And because of this utter functionality, we enjoyed every moment behind the Pilot’s wheel.

2012 HONDA PILOT DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

The good news is that the Honda Pilot is pleasant to drive. Like all Hondas, it delivers a deft blend of communication and compliance, letting you know what’s happening under the hood and at each contact patch without beating you over the head with information. It handles decently for something this tall and heavy, it cruises effortlessly at 80 mph, and it proves fairly nimble in city driving. The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 makes 250 horsepower, which doesn’t sound like enough for a 4,600-lb. SUV, but the five-speed automatic transmission does a good job of maximizing motive force. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2012 HONDA PILOT…

May 12

Happy Mother’s Day, Speedy Mommies

Woman Driving Sports Car

Speedy Daddy sincerely wishes all you Speedy Mommies a Happy Mother’s Day. You absolutely deserve your very own Grace Kelly moment. Grab a scarf, a pair of sunglasses, some red lipstick, and the keys to a great car. Then find a fantastic road. Go fast. Have fun. Be safe.

Image copyright Reinfried Marass Photography

May 11

Subaru Yanks on Our Heartstrings

Subaru Badge Photo

Lately, both my 18-month-old and three-year-old daughters have been climbing behind the wheel of our various test vehicles, pushing buttons, pretending to drive and, in the case of the three-year-old, fastening the seat belt before fantasy play begins. I’ve gotta tell you, it’s heartening to know that my love of cars is rubbing off on these girls. In fact, my three-year-old is happy to demonstrate her vast brand badge knowledge in any parking lot, anywhere.

The other night, while watching recorded TV shows, Speedy Mommy and I forgot to fast-forward through the commercials, and this Subaru ad from last year caught my attention. SEE THE SUBARU COMMERCIAL ABOUT THE DAD AND HIS DAUGHTER…

May 9

2013 Hyundai Sonata New Car Review

2013 Hyundai Sonata Photo

If you’re looking for a terrific new family sedan, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata makes all kinds of sense. Now, before you think we’re not being true to our brand, you should know that even the cheapest and slowest Sonata will accelerate to 60 mph in about eight seconds. That’s not quite fast by today’s standards, but it sure as hell ain’t Toyota Prius territory.

Obviously, that’s not the model you want. What you want is the Sonata 2.0T, in SE or Limited trim, and equipped with a turbocharged, 274-horsepower four-cylinder that has no problem at all shaving 1.5 seconds off the standard Sonata’s comparatively leisurely stroll to 60 mph. Before we share additional reasons to buy a Sonata Turbo, let’s find out what’s new for the 2013 Sonata. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA…

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