An investigation and eventually a recall on snapping rear axles on Ford’s Windstar minivan wasn’t enough to save the life of Sean Bowman of Massachussetts. A 28 year-old father of two and Coast Guard veteran, Bowman’s family received an official recall notice in the mail from Ford a week after the he had died in a crash behind the wheel of his Windstar – an accident his family alleges was the direct result of a rear axle that snapped while Bowman was on his way to community college.

Bowman’s family is considering legal action against Ford, stating that the severity of the recall demanded more immediate action. “This is not your average, everyday recall. This is your rear axle can break, you can lose control of your vehicle, your wheels can fall off,” Bowman’s wife told The Associated Press.

Ford says that it fulfilled its legal requirement by notifying customers with vehicles affected by the recall.

After the story of Bowman’s death broke, Ford announced it would expand the recall to an additional 37,000 Windstar minivans, bringing the recall total to 612,000. The initial recall was only for vans in certain colder states where it was deemed corrosion was a factor in the snapping axles. The expanded recall now includes all 2003 vehicles and also now encompasses the state of Utah.

The recall itself has been a significant problem for Ford, as new axles had to be manufactured, causing a long wait for owners. As a result, Ford offered to either pay for rental vehicles for customers with affected vehicles, or to even buy back the minivans. The latter choice is proving the more cost effective for Ford, with most of the vans now quite old and their value quite low. Some customers waiting for the repair have had their vehicles parked on Ford dealer lots for over four moths.

Ford may face increasing threats of legal action over this issue, as there is likely to be a high number of recalled vehicles on the road that remain unrepaired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 70 percent of recalled vehicles are repaired within the first 18 months, however, that number is generally much lower when recalls are issued for older vehicles.

[Source: NPR]

UPDATE: The Ford Windstar is now under investigation by NHTSA for rusting subframe issues. Click here to read the story.

Toyota has just announced a recall for it’s new ‘Swagger Wagon’ Sienna minivan for an issue related to the braking system.

Unrelated to any past brake recalls the recall involves the parking brake bracket that could become damaged by repeated use of the foot-actuated parking brake pedal. Toyota warns that damage to the bracket could lead to brake lights that appear on, or in extreme cases ‘dragging’ brakes, which could wear the brakes out over time.

In total 94,000 Sienna minivans are affected by the recall, all dating from the 2011 model year.

Toyota will notify Sienna owners and provide a fix free of charge. Those with questions are asked to call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Official release after the jump:

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After the car first broke cover in Euro-spec form at the Geneva Auto Show, Mazda has finally rolled out the second-generation of its Mazda5 model at the LA Auto Show. The car’s clever packaging has yet to catch on, which is surprising when it delivers as much space as a mid-size crossover and comes with a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine. Oh, and Mazda has always offered the 5 (based on a version of the Mazda3 platform) with a manual transmission – how very European!

For 2012 the all-new Mazda5 gets a more swoopy design, while the engine grows in size from 2.3-liters to 2.5-liters with a total of 157-hp and 163 ft-lbs of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on most models, with a 6-speed manual the base transmission on the Sport trim.

Mazda says fuel economy is unchanged, despite the displacement increase.

In terms of safety, the 5 comes with stability control as well as a new Brake Override Feature.

For 2012 the Mazda5 will be offered in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Standard features on the Sport model include 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, A/C, a 6-speaker audio system, tilt and telescopic steering, remote keyless entry, a driver’s one-touch up/down window, a 50/50 split 3rd row seat and steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls. Touring models get the 5-speed automatic, 17-inch wheels, an aero kit with rear spoiler, fog lights, Bluetooth and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The top-level Grand Touring trim then gets a power moonroof, HID automatic on/off headlights, heated mirrors, rain sensing wiper, driver’s seat lumbar, heated front seats and leather throughout.

GALLERY: 2012 Mazda5

Get even more details on all three trim levels after the jump:

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Nissan has completely revamped its Quest minivan for 2011, getting away from its quirky ugly past and moving towards Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” Sienna when it comes to road presence and interior luxury.

Powered by Nissan’s 3.5L V6 (what else?) the van makes 253-hp and will start at a rather competitive $27,750.

Features of the new 2011 Quest include standard Quick Release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seating with an available 3rd row power-return seatback, heated front seats, a removable 2nd row console, Blind Sport Warning (BSW) and a RearView Monitor and an optional 11-inch monitor.

The 2011 Quest will be available in four models: S, SV, SL and LE. Base S models get 16-inch steel wheels, 6-way adjustable front bucket seats, wood-tone trim, Nissan’s Intelligent Key with push-button ignition and an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers. Quest SV models get one-touch power sliding doors, 16-inch aluminum wheels, Tri-Zone climate control, a power driver’s seat with lumbar, fog lights, a 4.3-inch display screen, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, a RearView Monitor and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Quest SL models get leather, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, 8-way driver’s seat, heated front seats, roof rails, auto headlights plus heated mirrors. Top-level LE models then add on a Navigation system with 12-speakers, memory seating, 2nd and 3rd row manual blinds, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, HID lights, an 8-inch display screen, DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and an 11-inch rear DVD entertainment system.

Nissan says the van is designed to be a reward to parents or doing their job.

Oh, and in person it’s simply enormous.

GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Quest Debut in LA

GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Quest

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Official release after the jump:

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The Windstar is proving to be a small nightmare for the folks at Ford and for anyone who happens to own one. First NHTSA was investigating the minivan for possible rear axle failure, then an official recall was issued. Then Ford announced it would go so far as to buy back the cars, while offering to cover the cost of a rental car for those who opted to get the axle fixed.

While that sounds like a reasonable solution, it hasn’t been and is costing Ford, its dealers and Windstar owners plenty of money. A recent article by Automotive News outlined how many dealers are now having to find space for dozens of Windstars on their back lots as a fix for the problem may take several months. Owners are reluctant to take the buyout at Kelly Blue Book value, as the older minivans are worth more to the owners than they are on a retail lot.

According to several reports Ford is offering to cover $38 dollars a day to cover rental costs, which could put Ford out by as much as $2,000 per car. And with the recall notice being issued for 575,000 vehicles, the total could be in the millions.

The cost to owners is varied. A long list of replies to past articles on this topic on AutoGuide include complaints about unequal service from dealers. Some respondents mentioned having to pay the tax on their rental car price, while others had to pay for specific insurance on the rental vehicle. Several replies include complaints that their dealer wasn’t able to get them into a reasonably sized vehicle, while others had to pay extra to get into anything larger than a Fusion.

And as bad as this situation seems it’s likely to get worse for owners as NHTSA is currently investigating a rusting front subframe issue with the vans, and as owners continue to return their vehicles for recall service for the axle issue, numerous complaints have begun to pile up about the subframe, indicating a recall isn’t far off.

Along with the new 2011 Avenger, Dodge has just revealed the redesigned 2011 Grand Caravan with a new look, significantly updated interior and just one engine.

Under the hood of the updated Grand Caravan is just one engine, the company’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, that makes a best-in-class 283-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. It replaced the old 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter helping Chrysler cut costs, while a new Fuel Economizer Mode lets drivers save on fuel.

Other upgrades include a 12 millimeter lower ride height and other adjustments to help reduce drag to improve fuel economy. Outside, the Grand Caravan gets Dodge’s new corporate “split crosshair” grille.

The biggest changes, however, might just be on the inside, with a new “super” center console and completely revised dash, with higher grade materials throughout. Plus, it’s the first minivan with a heated steering wheel option.

For 2011, the Grand Caravan will be offered in our trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew and the “Man Van” R/T. (Targeted at dads, could R/T mean a a HEMI V8? We hope so, but doubt it).

The 2011 Grand Caravan will go on sale later this year.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Official release after the jump:

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Ford has just unveiled its new Grand C-Max minivan at the Paris Auto Show, which is set to go on sale in North America in the near future. We’d like to say that when compared to the Windstar the Grand C-Max looks and feels far superior, but that wouldn’t be giving the new van much credit.

The three-row van isn’t actually a replacement for the old exploding transmission/faulty headgasket minivan, as vehicles in the segment have grown to tremendous proportions over the last decade and a half. Based on the new ford Focus architecture, the Grand C-Max will compete with models like the Mazda5.

As a result of the smaller compact car platform, the Grand C-Max will offer excellent fuel economy. It’s not year clear what engines will be offered in the U.S., with a possibility that Ford could offer the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection motor from the Focus, while an EcoBoost 1.6-liter 4-cylinder is also a strong possibility.

Normally we’d be apprehensive that the U.S.-spec model would be nothing like the Euro-spec trim, but considering what Ford has done with the Fiesta, we’ll hold out hope.

GALLERY: Ford Grand C-Max

Chrysler not only invented the concept of the garageable van with it’s original 1984 T-wagons – the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager - but it also invented the concept of the Premium soccer mom special with the Town & Country. Now 21 years after the T&C’s introduction it’s packed with an incredible array of standard features and for 2011 it gets even more. With safety being all the rage these days key elements on the new Town & Country include a Safety Tec umbrella, which brings together more than 40 separate standard features, including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.

Alongside safety; other improvements include a dual DVD system that can play two different media at the same time; Sirius Backseat TV and FLO TV (the latter which provides 20 channels of live programming); plus voice command functions for such things as iPod/MP3 players, radio control, phone communication and navigation.

Besides safety and gadgets, Chrysler has also made improvements to the interior – a new dash and instrument cluster; better quality upholstery for the seats; more ergonomically sound steering wheel with integrated vehicle functions and a revised HVAC system.

Under the hood the  2011 T&C also gets a version of Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6, rated at 283 horsepower and 260 ft-lbs of torque. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 miles per gallon in town and 25 highway. Those fuel economy numbers are the same as last year, but the power output has jumped considerably. The 2011 T&C will be built exclusively at Chrysler’s Windsor, Ontario assembly plant, with the first examples set to arrive in dealerships, sometime in the final quarter of this year.

GALLERY: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

Honda has just announced pricing on the all-new 2011 Odyssey minivan, with roughly a $1,000 increase on all models.

Base LX models with features like keyless entry, cruise control, stability control an auxiliary jack, 8-way power driver’s seat and 4 LATCH positions start at $27,800. EX models add 17-inch wheels, five LATCH positions and power slide doors for $30,950 while the EX-L trim tosses in a power tailgate, heated leather seats, Bluetooth, XM Radio and a backup camera for $34,450. Both a navigation (with a lifetime subscription to Real Time FM Traffic and a 3-view backup camera) as well as a rear entertainment system (with 9-inch screen) can be included, although if you’re going to go all-out the $40,775 Touring model adds the 6-speed transmission (with improved fuel economy), 18-inch wheels, parking sensors and a memory seat. And for 2011 a new Touring Elite model tops out the range for $43,250 with that incredible home theater system.

Of note, most models come with a 5-speed automatic transmission with an EPA rated 18/27-mpg (city/highway), while top-trim Touring models get a 6-speed automatic with a 19/28-mpg rating.

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Honda Odyssey First Drive by Clicking Here

Full pricing details after the jump:

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Ford has officially announced a recall for the Windstar minivan after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation confirmed the rear axles on the cars can snap. The recall affects 1998 to 2003 model year models (a total of 575,000) in 21 cold-weather U.S. states and all of Canada.

The issue is specific to cold weather vehicles as corrosion from salt and rust could lead to a fracture in the axle.

NHTSA began the investigation in May of this year after 234 reports of fractured or snapped axles had been reported. Since then the number of complaints has risen to 950.

Owners are asked to contact their local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership to have their vehicle inspected. If a crack is detected the axle will be replaced. If no crack is detected, owners will be asked to drive the vehicle until a reinforcement bracket is available.

States where vehicles are affected include: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

[Source: Reuters]

UPDATE: The Ford Windstar is now under investigation by NHTSA for rusting subframe issues. Click here to read the story.

Nissan has just leaked photos of the new 2011 Quest minivan via Twitter, and its a radical departure from the previous generations derivative minivan styling.

Based on the Asian market Elgrand luxury minivan, the new Quest is expected to be powered by the VQ37VHR, and widened by 5 inches for better visual symmetry. The version sold in Japan and Hong Kong needs a narrower track to negotiate the ultra-tight streets and parking spots present in those small nations. Inside, the interior looks luxurious and almost Infiniti-like, hopefully a carryover from the premium-positioned Elgrands, which retail for over $60,000 in Hong Kong.

The quest is expected to be in dealerships in early 2011 after its debut at the LA Auto Show in November.

GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Quest

With the release of a new model, automakers generally see a big surge in sales. Mazda may be counting on that, or perhaps they’ve got a few tricks planned, because the company has announced it intends to sell as many as 30,000 Mazda5 models next year. Last year Mazda sold just 18,500 units of the MPV (commonly called a minivan), a 16 percent drop-off from 2008.

Mazda introduced the second-generation Mazda5 at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year, and while Mazda exec Thomas Pixton has said that the car’s sporty driving dynamics and improved fuel economy will attract buyers, it’s not clear if the car will get the same 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder (with Mazda’s start-stop system) offered in Europe.

Mazda has been at the forefront of the MPV segment, competing only with the Kia Rondo. That, however, will soon change with Ford’s introduction of the Grand C-Max. Chevy also has it’s new Orlando MPV but has decided to not sell it in the U.S., while Hyundai is also rumored to be thinking about the MPV segment.

With increased competition, Mazda is also certain to put some added marketing budget behind the Mazda5, which should help it reach the 30,000 unit mark.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

The GMC Granite has been given the green light for production. No… wait… it hasn’t. According to a report by Motor Trend, a source at GM announced that the funky Scion xB-like urban MPV based on the Chevy Orlando will get the go ahead. After publishing the report, GM contacted MT to inform them that the production light is not green, but more yellow – if not downright red.

Did MT just jump the gun? Or perhaps someone at the General slipped up and prematurely announce this new model for production long before it is ready. After all, GM hasn’t even launched the Chevy Orlando yet and the Granite is sure to come after it’s Chevy brother.

Regardless, we have to think that after the overwhelmingly positive reaction the Granite received at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, well see it in dealerships before long and unlike the Orlando, the Granite will most certainly be sold in America.

GALLERY: GMC Granite

[Source: Motor Trend]

As the minivan segment continues to shrink, those left fighting it out don’t have to be quite as innovative. Evidence of that came with the new Toyota Sienna, and now with the reveal of Honda‘s new 2011 Odyssey we’re starting to see a pattern. Perhaps, however, the minivan has reached its pinnacle and the only things left to do are polish off the rough edges and add on new minor features here and there.

Along with a partially new look, that features the “lightning bolt” design first shown on the Odyssey concept at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year, the 2011 Odyssey is both lower and wider, delivering added driving dynamics and even more space inside. Also aiding in the overall driving experience are new 18-inch wheels and even larger front brakes.

While not necessarily a great engineering breakthrough, the 2011 Odyssey does include a new three-seat second row system that allows the bench to be pulled apart, making room for three baby seats. We also like the 16.2-inch widescreen entertainment system that can operate as a split screen with two videos as once.

Other features include optional HID headlights, a power tailgate and 15 cupholders.

No engine specs are yet available, but Honda has already said the van will feature a 3.5-lier i-VTEC V6 with segment leading 19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway.

GALLERY: 2011 Honda Odyssey

Get more on the 2011 Honda Odyssey after the jump:

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Volkswagen is recalling its Routan minivan, but not to worry, they barely sold any of them in the first place. The recall affects 15,902 vans from 2008-09 and follows a recall by Chrysler of the mechanically similar Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Like the Chrysler vans on which the Routan is based, the problem involves an improperly installed wiring harness which could become worn by the sliding rear doors and eventually cause a short circuit or fire.

Owners are asked to contact their dealer for a fix or call Volkswagen at 800-822-8987.

The MPV segment is growing quickly and it appears as though Dodge it getting set to join in. In Fiat’s larger plan for the Chrysler Group, company CEO Sergio Marchionne included a seven-seat multi-purpose-vehicle (MPV) destined for U.S. showrooms in 2012.

Based on the upcoming Fiat compact car platform this new model would compete against the Mazda5, Kia Rondo and the upcoming Ford Grand C-Max. (Oddly, GM has decided not to introduce its Orlando MPV into the U.S. market).

The team at Motor Trend makes the case that the new MPV would best be branded as a Dodge, targeting young families and more focused on the fun youth market. This makes sense as Mazda markets the 5 to exactly those same customers.

Power would likely come from the new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder World Engine, which gets Fiat’s variable valve Multiair technology to produce 190-hp and 175 ft-lbs of torque.

Hit the link below to see Motor Trend’s full rendering of what the Dodge MPV could look like. Or, click here to see an earlier rendering of a Fiat Multipla, rendered by the same artist.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Chrysler is recalling all Dodge Caravan and Town and Country minivans from 2008-09 due to a concern that an improperly installed wiring harness could cause a fire. According to a release issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 284,831 vehicles in total. NHTSA says that the vehicles in question may use a “improperly routed” wiring harness that may become worn by the van’s sliding door. The wire insulation may then become worn which could lead to a short circuit, or possibly even a fire.

Owners of 2008 and 2009 model year vans (manufactured between February and September of 2007) are asked to contact their local Chrysler dealer for a fix.

This is the second recall for the Chrysler van duo in 2010. Both models were recently recalled for faulty airbags.

Official release after the jump:

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has now officially launched an investigation into snapping rear axles on Ford Windstar models dating from 1999-2003. In total NHTSA has 234 complaints about broken rear axles, with two noted accidents but no injuries. Of the complaints, 56 involve vehicles where one of the rear axles snapped at speeds in excess of 40 mph.

According to NHTSA, the problem seems worse in Northern states where salt is used on the roads in winder.

As the Windstar is a front-drive vehicle, snapping a rear axle isn’t critical as it could be – which is the position taken by Ford, with a spokesman telling the New York Times last week that the vehicle operator remains in control of the car at all times. This seems contrary to NHTSA’s safety comment that the, “fracture of a rear suspension axle could result in loss of vehicle control.”

Ford has said it will cooperate with NHTSA’s investigation.

If a recall is issued, it could affect up to 900,000 Windstar vehicles sold between 1999-2003.

[Source: NYT]

UPDATE: The Ford Windstar is now under investigation by NHTSA for rusting subframe issues. Click here to read the story.

It won the North American truck of the year award and in the commercial sector, the Transit Connect has been generating a lot of interest over the last year. The Turkish built, small delivery van has been on sale in Europe since 2002, but was only introduced to our market last year. As Ford is retiring its fleet mainstay, the Crown Victoria sedan in 2011, many government agencies and taxi fleet operators are looking at a suitable replacement. With its small size, tight turning radius, significant interior capacity and decent fuel economy, the Transit Connect is seen as a logical alternative to the Vic taxi by some. Recently, the city of Boston announced that it will be adding these vehicles to its taxi fleets in the fall of this year, making it the first  major American metropolis to do so.

According to Mark Cohen, Licensing Director for the Boston Police department that issues cab licenses, “we’ve been very impressed with the Transit Connect. The size, shape and configuration make it comfortable for the driver and passengers. It’s the closest thing to a purpose-built vehicle for taxi use that I’ve seen in 25 years.”

Besides space; durability, ease of maintenance and the ability to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) are all high priorities for taxi fleets. In addition to the Transit Connect’s 2.0-liter gas engine, the company will also be offering new pre prep conversions that allow the vehicle to run on CNG or LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). Even without that, if the Transit Connect proves successful as a taxi, it is likely to boost the average fuel economy of taxi fleets by as much as 30 percent.

[Source: Ford Motor Company]

It’s the fifth major recall for Toyota in the past few months and Toyota’s stellar reputation for quality is taking a beating. Toyota Motor Corp has just announced a recall of 600,000 Toyota Sienna minivans dating from 1998-2010. The issue with the vans is with the spare tire cable which may rust so severely that the spare tire, located at the rear of the van on the underside, could come loose. Toyota says this is a, “road hazard for following vehicles that increases the likelihood of a crash.”

The recall is for Sienna vans in Northern States or states which use salt on the roads in winter months – which causes increased corrosion. The states listed by Toyota include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Owners of Sienna minivans in other states are welcome to bring their vehicle in for an inspection of the spare tire cable, Toyota says.

Toyota says it is working on a “fix” for the problem and will notify customers as soon as a remedy is available. Toyota will also send out notices to all Sienna owners to in the mean time to book an appointment to have the spare tire cable inspected.

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Considering the abysmal sales of the R-Class, the Mercedes might have preferred to just let the model slowly slip-off into obscurity, but instead the designers and engineers did their best to try and revive the luxury minivan. Debuting at the New York Auto Show today, the new 2011 R-Class gets a front-end makeover with a more flat-front nose and added angles – much like the rest of the modern Mercedes lineup.

Inside there are some updates but overall the car is still very much the same, as are the engines. Returning for 2011 is the R350 4MATIC model with its lacklustre 268-hp V6 and an unimpressive 14/19 mpg (city/highway) rating. The better option for those looking to save on fuel is the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with 210 hp,  400 ft-lbs fo torque and an 18/24 mpg (city/hwy) rating.

Highlights include Distronic adaptive cruise control, airmatic air suspension with adaptive damping, and a Blid Spot Assist system (all optional). Options even include wheel sizes ranging all the way up to 21-inches.

Mercedes introduced the 2011 R-Class in New York, driven on stage by the Gold Medal-winning U.S. Olympic 4-men bobsled team, hoping to draw a comparison. And while we’ll admit that the new R-Class is a more attractive vehicle and that it does fit the four big guys with ease, Mercedes won’t be winning any golds, or putting any gold in the bank thanks to the R-Class.

For more on the 2011 R-Class, get all the details in the official release after the jump.

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Official release after the jump:

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It’s been a terrible sales flop and even senior staff will tell you what a failure its been, but that isn’t going to stop Mercedes from rolling out a face-lifted version of the R-Class at the New York Auto Show later this week. Debuting as a 2011 model, the overall shape is still very much the same, but the front end gets quite a makeover in keeping with the newer and more angular Mercedes designs of late. Included in the update are more angular headlights and a more upright grille with quad-foglights, while out back the taillights and rear bumper get a tweak.

Inside there don’t appear to be many changes, but we expect Mercedes to announce a long list of safety improvements, like are currently offered on the new E-Class. As for engines, no real changes are set for the 2011 model with Merc offering both the R350 4MATIC model with its lacklustre 268-hp V6 and the R350 BlueTEC with 210-hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque.

With the debut of the 2011 R-Class’s officially scheduled for the New York Auto Show later this week, be sure to check back then when AutoGuide brings you live coverage starting March 31st.

Click the link below on or after the 31st for live NY Auto Show updates.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Leaked Images

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Official Images

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Unveiled in concept form at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year, a forum member at Temple of Vtec became an amateur spy photographer when he snapped several photos of what appears to be the production version of the 2011 (or possibly 2012) Honda Odyssey. The pictures were taken on the 1010 Freeway in Woodland Hills, CA.

Like the concept, this model has the same general style as the previous generation (current generation) Odyssey. Honda has used plenty of subtle camo, but the larger front grille is obvious and the black paneling on the side is being used to cover the new rear window design as shown on the concept (below). The production model also promises to be lower and wider than the current model, giving increased room and improving handling.

During Honda’s press conference at the Chicago Auto Show, a company representative confirmed that the 2011 model will get improved fuel economy of 19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway, which should help the Odyssey maintain retain its segment-best fuel economy rating.

See the link below for more spy photos at Temple of Vtec.

GALLERY: Honda Odyssey Concept

[Source: TOV]

Mazda unveiled the second generation Mazda5 at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The Mazda5 gets a slight facelift with elements Mazda’s “Nagare Flow” design. The new Mazda5 might even look especially happier and smilier than usual.

Under the hood is a 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine with Mazda’s i-Stop system. According to Mazda, the new engine has 15% lower CO2 emissions than the previous 2.0L powerplant. The Mazda5 will also be available with a 1.8L gasoline engine with six speed manual transmission.

Gallery: Mazda5