“All we know so far is what included in the agency’s statement,” said Toyota spokesman Liu Peng in an interview yesterday. “We are looking into the issue and will try to clarify the facts.”

Automobile ownership is steadily increasing, causing China’s government to increase efforts to control vehicle quality. Collisions have also spiked 36 percent to 3.9 million accidents in 2010, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

[Source: Left Lane News]

U.S safety regulators have begun investigating warranty claims regarding the brake effectiveness of the 2008 Mazda CX-9. The investigation surrounds leaking brake fluid that could affect the brakes of the 2008 CX-9, according to NHTSA.

So far, no injuries or crashes have been reported however, an estimated 37,000 vehicles could be affected. Information was sent to the NHTSA from Mazda regarding a period in the first quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2010, displaying a “high number” of warranty claims and reports for the affected CX-9.”When brake fluid leaks into the vacuum booster the driver can experience reduced brake effectiveness which can result in extended stopping distance,” the filing said. So far, a preliminary investigation has been launched that could lead to a recall if regulators determine the vehicle components to be unsafe.

[Source: Reuters]

Even though Mercedes-Benz‘s C250 CGI isn’t the most exciting of sedans, being part of its BlueEfficiency line, VÄTH has made the 1.8L model more powerful and more fun to drive. Their tuning package gives the C250 CGI the capability of hitting 270-hp, a major increase from the factory’s 204-hp.

For those looking for a nice increase in power without breaking the bank account, VÄTH offers a V25 tuning kit for around $1,535 U.S. which bumps power to 255-hp and 273 ft-lbs of torque. Max speed is also bumped up to 161 mph. But those looking for the 270-hp peak, an upgraded intercooler is available for around $1,430 and the sports exhaust system is $2,575. Those numbers are a bit pointless, however, as we don’t get the 250 model on this side of the Atlantic.

On the outside is a fine collection of carbon fiber goods: hood ($5,940), front lip ($1,815), rear diffuser ($2,270), and trunk spoiler ($425). A brake upgrade featuring 14-inch rotors in the front with 6-piston calipers and 12.5-inch rotors in the rear with 4-piston calipers can be had for around $6,860. A staggered set of 19-inch wheels complete with tires are priced at $5,180.

VÄTH mentions suspension upgrades in their press release, which sounds like a tuned coilover set of some sort, but details and pricing are left out. They close off the tuning package with some carbon fiber interior trim and Alcantara roof liner for $1,255.

GALLERY: VÄTH Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI

Official press release available after the break.

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While most of the popular aftermarket manufacturers in Japan are welcoming the hybrid craze with open arms, Spoon Sports has been quiet as of late. This can mostly be attributed to the fact that Spoon focuses and specializes with the Honda platform, and quite honestly, Honda hasn’t had an attractive enough hybrid platform in the recent years.  But this is all about to change, with the CR-Z gaining a lot of momentum as the new “hot-hatch” appealing to passionate Honda aficionados worldwide.  Needless to say it’s a perfect fit for Spoon Sports and their tuning prowess.

We’ve seen the entry from Mugen and in typical Spoon Sports fashion, they’ve thrown down the gauntlet as well. Going back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mugen and Spoon Sports were the most respective pair of brands for JDM Honda fanatics stateside. In fact it’s easy to argue that Mugen and Spoon Sports delivered a rivalry on its own with their prestigious and rare parts, many of them carrying a hefty price tag once they were on American soil. There’s no mistaken that this CR-Z has been Spoon-inspired.

There’s none of the traditional yellow and pastel blue to be seen, yet, but the CR93 wheels have been refinished in a stylish dark blue in true Spoon fashion.  As with almost all of Spoon Sports’ projects, the focus is on excellent tuning and track-ability.  They paid close attention with suspension and brake upgrades lowering the vehicle with coilovers in the front and a traditional shock/spring combination in the rear.  15-inch slotted rotors along with upgraded calipers are probably overkill for the hatch, but we believe Spoon has much more in terms of performance up their sleeve.

Specializing in naturally aspirated performance over the years, Spoon is currently tuning their staple N1 exhaust system along with ECU upgrades for the CR-Z. No concrete numbers have been released yet, which is understandable given how new the technology is. We have faith though and it will be an exciting time to see two of Honda’s most notorious brands battling it out on the track again, this time with CR-Z hatchbacks hopefully flying the colors we’ve grown and love over the past decade.

GALLERY: Spoon Sports CR-Z

[Source: Spoon Sports]