Mazda will reportedly add a brake override system to all of its future products. According to an article by Automotive News, Mazda will make the step towards added safety on the heels of Toyota’s recall woes and that automaker’s decision to begin installing a brake override system in all of its new models.

The system will work by giving priority to the brake when both the gas and brake are pressed. Nissan already uses such a system in most of its vehicles.

A spokesman for Mazda said he isn’t aware of any issues of unintended acceleration or sticking gas pedals with its vehicles, but is taking the move to be proactive and avoid any unwanted bad publicity – a burden a smaller automaker like Mazda might not be able to shoulder so easily. The estimated cost of the system will be $50, which is likely to be built into the price of future Mazda models.

It is not clear if this new system will debut in the new Mazda2 model due out later this year, or if it will start on all new models to follow.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

Audi will revive the A2 model, to slot in between its A3 hatchback and the funky new A1 model, which the company debuted at the Geneva Auto Show last week. “There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler to AutoWeek, which comes as a bit of a surprise considering how close the two models really are.

According to the AutoWeek report, the A2 will play a role in Audi’s electric vehicle push, with a new model expected to arrive in 2014. It’s not clear if the next generation A2 will keep the original’s function-first approach or if Audi will attempt to make it a more premium and more sport-oriented model.

There is a strong possibility that the A2 will actually just be an electric version of the A1 (shown as the A1 E-Tron in Geneva).

[Source: AutoWeek]

A Prius driver claims his 2008 model Toyota accelerated uncontrollably at speeds of up to 90 mph on a San Diego freeway before California High Patrol officers helped him stop his runaway car. The driver, 61-year-old James Sikes, said the acceleration happened when he overtook another car on Interstate 8, after which the car accelerated uncontrollably for the next 20 minutes as he traveled over 30 miles.

“I pushed the gas pedal to pass a car and it did something kind of funny,” Sikes said at a press conference. “It jumped and it just stuck there. As it was going, I was trying the brakes … It wasn’t stopping.”

Sikes called 911 and a CHP officer caught up to the speeding Prius, instructing Sikes to use the brakes, put the car in neutral and then turn off the car once they had reached a lower speed. No one was injured in the incident.

The 2008 mode year Prius is currently part of Toyota’s Floormat Pedal Entrapment recall, which affects all 2004-09 Prius models. Sikes said he had received a recall notice, but when he contacted his local Toyota dealership, he was told the car was not on the recall list.

Toyota has dispatched a technical specialists to investigate the vehicle.

For more Toyota recall news visit the AutoGuide Toyota Recall News Hub here

[Source: Reuters]

Mercedes performance division AMG has just announced its new biturbo V8 engine, making 536-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque (563-hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque with the AMG Performance Package). Designed to replace the 6.2-liter AMG mill, the M157 engine will first appear in the 2011 S63, where it will also make a decent 22.4 mpg and carry the luxurious beast to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed for the new S63 will be rated at 186 mph when equipped with the AMG performance package. After, Mercedes will begin to use the engine in all of its AMG 63 models, including in the SLS, where it is expected to get even more power.

In the S63, the new V8 Biturbo will use Mercedes’ AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which first debuted on the SL63. In “M” Manual mode, it will not automatically downshift or upshift, even at redline, to give the drive optimum control.

Torque for the new engine is available at very low revs, with 494 ft-lbs on ta at just 1500 rpm, while 590 ft-lbs are delivered at 2400 rpm. As for the AMG Performance Package models, 645 ft-lbs comes on at 2000 rpm, while 664 ft-lbs starts at 2500 rpm.

Engine highlights include direct-injection with piezo electric injectors and the use of a start/stop system to conserve fuel while the car isn’t in motion in a new Controlled Efficiency mode.

To help showcase the new engine Mercedes has commissioned a special S63 AMG showcar, designed after the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which took a class victory and second place overall at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps in 1971.

GALLERY: AMG Biturbo V8 and the 2011 S63 AMG

Official release after the jump:

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With the launch of the all-new MINI Countryman at the Geneva Auto Show last week we had an opportunity to sit down with the VP of MINI USA, Jim McDowell and find out more about the brand’s first crossover and what the future holds for the rest of the product range.

Starting with the Countryman, McDowell believes this is a vehicle that will help bring back brand rejecters – those who simply couldn’t justify owning a MINI for reasons ranging from size, to functionality. He even commented that in the past a father of two who bought a MINI would be seen as selfish, putting his wants ahead of his family’s needs. The Countryman lets those needs and wants come together while avoiding any social stigma.

Added usability will come in the form of fuel efficiency. While no official numbers are yet available (or any unofficial ones for that matter), McDowell says he wouldn’t be surprised if the Countryman became the most fuel efficient crossover offered in the U.S.

MINI also hopes to attract driving enthusiasts to the Countryman by offering it with a manual transmission here. In fact, when it goes on sale, it will be the only all-wheel drive crossover offered with a manual transmission. When asked if MINI’s All4 AWD setup is being planned for any other future MINI models, McDowell commented that while it was most likely possible, it’s not something they are looking at, favoring the two-wheel approach for the ideal sporty driving experience.

As for the future of the rest of the range, McDowell confirmed that the recent engine updates made on European models will arrive for the 2011 model year cars in North America. In Europe, the Cooper and Cooper S models get a slight boost in power and improved fuel economy thanks to direct-injection technology and variable valve control. The Cooper gets a 3-hp jump to 122-hp, while torque is rated at 118 ft-lbs, allowing a 0-62 mph sprint of 9.1 seconds. As for the Cooper S, it gets a new twin-scroll turbocharger that helps bring the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to 184-hp (up 9-hp), while torque of 177 ft-lbs comes on from 1600 to 5000 rpm. The overboost function delivers 192 ft-lbs (260Nm). The Cooper S is rated at 7 seconds to 62 mph. (These numbers should change slightly for the North American market and we’ll have to wait for official EPA rated fuel economy numbers).

But beyond those updates, McDowell had more to say, specifically in regards to our questions about smaller engines and the use of dual-clutch transmissions – something particularly relevant with Volkswagen and Audi now delivering cars like the A1 and Polo GTI with 1.4-liter Twinchargers and dual-clutch transmissions. “We are continuing to add technology as quickly as it comes, while working to promote the MINI driving experience and be environmentally responsible,” he commented, following up by stating that MINI will “move forwards in minimalism,” with a future that is, “greener and more efficient.” From this it’s safe to surmise that future MINI engines will get smaller while new technology like dual-clutch transmissions (which improve both the driving experience and fuel economy) are pretty much a given.

As for the upcoming Coupe and Roadster models, we pressed McDowell on what exactly makes these cars so different. He spoke at first about the obvious lack of a hatch, more futuristic design and improved cargo room – all of which is rather obvious. When we expressed our feelings that these attributes (including the JCW engine) really didn’t set the two models apart, he admitted as much, commenting: “but you don’t know what else is coming. We have a few pleasant surprises.”

After our conversation took a bit of a detour about MINI buyers and the other sorts of vehicles they consider, McDowell brought it back on point stating that he wouldn’t be surprised if the MINI Roadster came to own the entry-level roadster segment that Mazda currently has locked-down with the Miata.

As a brand, MINI is expanding significantly with new dealerships poping up all over the U.S. Over the next two years the Countrman (and soon the Coupe and Roadster) will double MINI’s lineup of products aimed at delivering performance and fuel economy in packages with the sort of universal appeal that has always made MINI models “global cars,” long before such a concet became popular.

While Subaru has already announced it would deliver a hybrid model in 2012, it now looks as though the first Suby hybrid will be an Impreza and not a Legacy. According to a report by Road & Track, the Impreza is likely to get the hybrid treatment after it was decided the Legacy chassis isn’t well-suited for hybrid duty.

In Subaru’s latest hybrid concept, the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the hybrid setup works with a direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine. The concept version uses lithium ion batteries and uses two electric motors (one for the front and one for the rear), to help deliver optimum all-wheel drive performance. The setup uses only the rear electric motor at low speeds, while under normal driving conditions, the gasoline engine is used. When more power is needed, the rear electric motor again kicks in. And finally, for optimum grip, the front motor will be engaged when needed – for example when accelerating up a hill.

There’s eve the possibility that Subaru will follow Mitsubishi in delivering a hybrid high-performance model. Several reports have already pointed to a hybrid EVO XI model and considering how closely Subaru and Mitsubishi compete in that particular segment, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a hybrid STI.

[Source: Road & Track]

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new B-Class platform in Europe in 2011, with many different variants – several of which are destined for the U.S. According to a recent report by Automotive News, Mercedes will bring up to three B-Class models to the U.S., including a hatchback, sedan and a small crossover. The move comes as little surprise if Mercedes it to compete with premium level hatchbacks like the Audi A3 and Lexus CT200h, as well as crossovers like the upcoming BMW X1. (Mercedes BLK anyone?)

There’s no word on engines yet, but the report suggests an alternative energy (electric, hybrid or fuel cell) model is in the plans. In addition, AMG is reportedly planning to deliver a rear-drive high-performance model based on the new B-Class.

As excited as we are about these new Benzes, don’t expect to see any of them in the U.S. until at least 2012 – although we’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the European models coming next year.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

General Motors sees rough waters ahead for the Corvette unless changes are made to the vehicle now. So in an effort to solve any potential issues before they actually become problems, Chevy has decided to look outside America for help.

So what would sort of problems could the incredibly capable American icon have? Well, according to a report in AutoWeek, GM saw a 48 percent sales decline for the Corvette over the last year, while the bigger issue might be that the average age of Corvette buyers continues to rise. Last year, the average age was 54. Chevy believes that in order to combat this issue and make the Vette more attractive to a younger demographic it needs a design change. After all, the car’s performance certainly can’t be in question.

According to GM’s VP of global design, Ed Welburn, last year the company approached its European Design studios to to send in next generation (C7) Corvette design proposals. “We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has,” said Welburn. Currently, the Corvette faces the stigma of being a large car, when in fact it is roughly the same size as the current Porsche 911.

Still, Welburn doesn’t want to alienate his core audience. Speaking about the new design he says, “It can’t mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette.”

We’re eager to see what a more European-style Corvette might look like. Now if only Chevy would give the Corvette a more European interior.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Aston Martin has just released a teaser video of its upcoming One-77 supercar track testing. It’s not overly exciting, but you do get to hear the big V12 roar quite a bit, which is worth a watch.

The One-77 is still undergoing final development before it goes on sale later this year, with just 77 units to be made at a cost of roughly $2 million. Along with all that exclusivity, buyers are also paying the big bucks to get a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis (like a full race car, or the McLaren MP4-12C and Lexus LFA), as well as a 7.3-liter v12 that makes an incredible 750-hp. In recent testing, Aston Martin was able to achieve a to speed of 220 mph.

See the video after the jump:

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Several spy photos that popped up on the net over the weekend have revealed what appears to be a production ready Cadillac CTS-V SportWagon. We shouldn’t be too surprised to see the car (caught during filming of a commercial in downtown LA) as Bob Lutz has confirmed it for production. But after Lutz’ G8 promise, it’s best to see it to believe it.

The wagon is likely to contain no surprises, but is sure to be plenty awesome with Caddy’s 556-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 under the hood. It’s also likely to debut at the New York Auto Show, just before Lutz is set to retire.

Still, as cool as it is, we’re not exactly sure this vehicle makes great business sense. Wagons aren’t very popular in North America and Cadillacs aren’t very popular in Europe – where such a high-powered wagon might find a home. That being said, we hope the V version isn’t overly expensive to make as the CTS-V SportWagon might only be popular with internet bloggers like us who don’t have the cash for all that, well, you know…