To see the latest in car technology, be sure to check out the advancements in Formula 1 cars. They have engines with incredible amounts of power, superb aerodynamics that keep these little things on the ground and safety features that keep their drivers safe in the case of a high-speed crash.

There’s still an untold story in Formula 1 cars however; the brakes. Luckily the folks over at Brembo brakes have released a video explaining the design and function of its brake technology in Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars.

Videos like this are like candy to car-geeks like us, and its our pleasure to share them with you.

Check out the video below

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Purchase incentives usually involve a zero-percent interest rate, cash back after purchase or no-cost options, but Nissan is going another direction to target families with young children.

One of the problems a family that relies on child seats faces is finding a product that fits both their cars and child. For those of us without kids, it’s easy to assume that all seats fit all cars and kids, right? Wrong.

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Following the rash of alleged self-accelerating cars, U.S. regulators are calling for all automakers to make throttle override mechanisms standard equipment in every light vehicle.

This issue came to light after Toyota’s unintended acceleration case, which spurred NHTSA to begin looking into override technology in 2010.

Essentially, the required system would ensure that the brake will overpower the gas pedal when the two are applied simultaneously and bring the car to a stop. A 60-day comment period will be held to gauge public reaction, at the end of which NHTSA will review the proposal again.

The new mechanisms will help drivers feel safer behind the wheel, which is of course one of consumers top concerns. ”America’s drivers should feel confident that anytime they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles — especially in the event of an emergency,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Although many automakers have already taken a preemptive step and made this type of system available, the law would make it mandatory.

“By updating our safety standards, we’re helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake,” LaHood said.

You can see the full NHTSA proposal here.

Nothing is certain but death and taxes. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study which consisted of researcher Dr. Donald Redelmeier and colleague Christopher Yanell of the University of Toronto comparing the number of fatalities during each tax deadline day to the number of fatalities occurring on regular days. The statistics show that the number of fatal crashes taking place during tax deadline day was 6 percent higher than the control days.

Dr. Redelmeier says, “Tax Day is one of the few opportunities to study societal stress on a widespread basis because it’s synchronized and it’s recurrent throughout an enormously large community.”

A total of 19,541 individuals were killed in crashes during the 30 tax days and 60 control days. Sorting the numbers, Redelmeier’s study revealed that the 30 tax days accounted for 6,783 deaths, or an average of 226 fatalities per day. In comparison, the 60 control days accounted for 12,758 deaths, averaging 213 fatalities a day. Spread over 3 decades, fatalities on tax deadline day account for an additional 404 fatalities.

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A comprehensive new study by AAA has revealed insight into exactly what teenagers are being distracted by behind the wheel, with teenage girls 50 percent more likely than their male counterparts to be on the phone, texting or using another electronic device.

The new study, Distracted Driving Among Newly Licensed Teen Drivers, is the first of its kind to document distracted driving by teenagers by using in-car video cameras and has revealed a slew of distractions among both males and feemales.

Results of the study show that teenage males were twice as likely to turn around in their seat while driving and more likely to talk with someone outside the vehicle. Females, on the other hand, were 50 percent more likely to reach for an object while driving and 25 percent more likely to be distracted by eating or drinking.

Overall, however, electronic devices were found to be the number one cause of distracted driving; something observed in 7 percent of the clips. A total of 15 percent of videos showed some type of distracted driving. The data also shows that older teenagers were more likely to be distracted, suggesting a complacence once they’re more comfortable behind the wheel.

Driving with multiple passengers was also found to be a major cause of concern. The study shows that loud conversations and “horseplay” were twice as likely when multiple passengers were present (rather than just one), and drivers were six times more likely to have a “serious incident” when there was loud conversation in the car. Conversely, distractions decreased significantly with an adult present.

“Cell phones, texting, personal grooming, and reaching for things in the car were among the most common distracting activities found when cameras were put in new teen drivers’ cars,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “This new study provides the best view we’ve had about how and when teens engage in distracted driving behaviors believed to contribute to making car crashes the leading cause of death for teenagers.”

“The gender differences with regard to distraction observed in this study raise some points that we’ll want to investigate in future projects,” Kissinger said. “Every insight we gain into driver behavior has the potential to lead us to new risk management strategies.”

Data for the AAA study came from video clips from 50 North Caroline families with teenage drivers. First analysts studied how teens behave during the learner stage with a parent next to them, then for this most recent study a total of 7,858 clips were examined from the first six months of unsupervised driving.

Car crashes remain the number one cause of death among young Americans.

Toyota supports environmental consciousness by holding the annual Lexus Eco Challenge competition, encouraging middle and high school students to practice eco-friendliness in creative ways.

Since the program’s inception, $4 million in scholarships and grants have been awarded to middle and high school students for their distinguished projects.

“Through this program, more than 25,000 participants have demonstrated that they want to make the world a better place. by coming up with real-world solutions to environmental challenges, students are learning how they can make a difference in the world around them,” Lexus group vice president and general manager Mark Templin said.

This year, more than 400 teams registered to represent nearly 3,000 students nationwide. In total, $500,000 in grants and scholarships were awarded to honored student teams. Finally, two Grand Prize winners were selected and awarded $30,000 each, while eight First Prize winners were awarded $15,000.

A two phase challenge, the first required teams to address concerns on land, water, air or climate and to create ways to make a difference for the environment in their local communities. The final phase would challenge teams to bring the projects beyond their local community and to inspire environmental action around the world.

The first Grand Prize winner was team “the Green Musketeers” of Jericho High School in Jericho, New York. After successfully creating their own filtration system, the students intend to patent the project, to sell it and to direct the profits towards developing systems in third-world countries.

The second Grand Prize winner was team “One-Towel Wonders” from SCAPA Bluegrass in Lexington, Kentucky. The students demonstrated how the simple idea of using one towel per person, per week could benefit the environment.

Pleased with the honor, “One-Towel Wonders” teacher advisor Ashlie Beals praises the Lexus program.

“For the past five years, all of my 8th grade students have worked in teams to create and implement innovative campaigns to encourage others to make one small change that can have a large positive impact on our environment,” she said. “My younger students eagerly look forward to their chance to participate in the challenge when they are in 8th grade.”

GALLERY: Lexus Eco Challenge

Images of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe leaked today, giving us an idea of what features to expect in the upcoming model.

While there have already been teaser images spread across the internet, the brochure pictures show LED head and tail lights and indicate that the new model will have lane departure warning, parking assist, knee airbags and BlueLink.

[Source: The Korean Car Blog]

Sometimes living simply can get a person entangled in legal complications.

An Amish man spent 13 days in a county jail in January when he refused to pay a fine for not affixing an orange slow-vehicle triangle indicator onto his horse-and-buggy. Intended as a law to make their buggies more safe, the Amish sect objects to both the color and the shape of the safety triangle, which is supposedly too bright and the shape represents the Holy Trinity.

In total, nine Amish men have been convicted with the same penalty by the Kentucky Supreme Court. Under the representation of the American Civil Liverties Union, the Amish maintains that the issue is a matter of religious freedom.

While car ownership may sometimes be a troublesome responsibility, it hardly compares to the legal obstacles one would likely encounter when committed to an Amish buggy.

[Source: USA Today]

It’s a case of technicality versus practicality: The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration told Hyundai to replace the center rear seat belts in 14,728 Sonata Hybrids made between 2011 and 2012, but the Korean automaker declined.

It comes down to a dispute over why the belts need to be changed. U.S. safety regulations prohibit using “a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at the lower anchorage point,” in the middle position of the rear seat.

Hyundai agreed to comply by repairing the 1,633 Sonata Hybrids, but is reluctant to do the same for the 13,095 that already sold. The company argues that there isn’t a safety risk, and is filing for an exemption.

NHTSA will review Hyundai’s filing, but if the petition is denied, the company will need to proceed as initially advised. Only the hybrid versions of the car are affected. If the request is denied, Hyundai will contact vehicle owners, but because of the uncertain circumstances it would behoove owners to sign up for NHTSA’s recall notification system, just in case details slip through the cracks.

Subaru announced its new, low-cost suite of safety systems called “EyeSight” today that the company says will be one of the most affordable instances of this technology on the U.S. market. 

By using two charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield, the company is able to offer a hybrid of safety featured including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and vehicle lane departure warning. The feature is scheduled to debut as an option in the 2013 Outback and Forrester at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

Keeping the cameras inside the car, Subaru says, will also prevent them from being damaged where other, bumper-mounted, systems might suffer.

At speeds below 19 mph, the system will be able to detect pedestrians and avoid impending collisions and is even able to stop the car completely under certain circumstances. When above that speed, EyeSight can apply the brakes if driver intervention isn’t detected.

Aside from applying the brakes, the system can also cut the throttle to slow down. EyeSight can also detect when the driver mistakenly shifts into drive instead of reverse while in a parking space.

The system can also be shut off, if so desired, to avoid notifications during off-road or rough road travel.

Pricing details weren’t released, but expect it to cost less than $2,100 which is how much Volvo’s comparable “technology package” runs for.

Subaru is issuing a recall for 275,000 Foresters today, built between November 26, 2007 and March 13,2012.

NHTSA cites a fault in the automatic locking retractor in the rear center seat belt assembly as the source of the issue. This specific seat belt connector is used for restraining child seats, and because of the faulty locking mechanism, child seats can become unsecure while the vehicle is in motion, greatly increasing the injury risk for the child in the seat.

Subaru will contact all owners affected and replace the faulty seat belt component free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before April 13, 2012. Concerned customers can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783, or the NHTSA safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

While it’s probably not the most dangerous issue to merit a recall, General Motors will fix defective parking lights in some 2012 Buick Regals. 

The company says an inability to turn the parking lights in a total 3,633 vehicles could reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of a crash. It seems the vehicle still has functional lighting, even in instances of the defect.

Not sure what parking lights are? You probably don’t use them very much, at least not consciously. Parking lights are the smaller ones that look more like bike reflectors and are illuminated on that “less-than-lit” setting your car probably has. The 2012 Regal, pictured above, has them built into the head and tail lights.

Essentially, there isn’t any need to panic. If you drive a Regal, the parking lights might not work properly, but GM is going to fix the issue for free. For now, just use your headlights on the full setting if in doubt at any point. If you have any questions you can click here for more information.

GALLERY: 2012 Buick Regal GS

Few people carry an emergency gas tank, even fewer carry it full but doing just that might be a good idea for a few Infiniti owners.

Nissan is issuing a recall for 8,120 Infiniti M45 sedans made between March 7, 2002 and June 3, 2004 because the cars may run out of gas — unannounced.

The defect in question involves a circuit board failure that may cause the fuel gauge to inaccurately represent how much gas is left in the tank. In some instances, this can cause the car to run out of gas early, leaving the driver stranded.

It isn’t clear exactly how inaccurate the gauge may be, but for most people with common sense it would seem that running on fumes is a risk in any scenario. Luxury car owners probably aren’t fond of putting gas containers in their cars, even in the trunk, but thankfully there’s an even easier solution. Keep a reasonable count of how many gallons go in and how far you drive. If it takes a week’s commute to eat a tank, fill up on Wednesday.

Nissan will fix the defect free of charge and owners with affected vehicles can expect to be contacted by the company. If you’re concerned and would like more information, click here or phone the NHTSA safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation regarding approximately 360,000 units of Ford Taurus produced from 2005 through 2006.

According to 14 Taurus owners, the Ford Taurus has experienced incidents of stuck throttle due to cruise control cable detachment.

NHTSA revealed that most complaints described that the Taurus would experience, “engine speeds as high as approximately 4,000rpm after shifting into Park or Neutral”. Drivers noted that a shift into neutral or an engine shut off was necessary to effectively slow the vehicle down.

Although there are no reported accidents or injuries, one incident involved a Ford Taurus driver who allegedly went through a red light, partially crossing the intersection before he could stop the vehicle. “This is an extremely dangerous situation,” the driver wrote. “There needs to be something done about this before it becomes fatal.”

According to NHTSA, “A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.” Interestingly, Ford Taurus mechanical twin Mercury Sable is not a part of the investigation.

More information and details from Ford and the NHTSA will be available as the investigation continues.

GALLERY: 2005 Ford Taurus

The Volvo V40 small hatchback debuted at the Geneva Auto Show yesterday, but as we reported last week, it won’t be heading to the U.S. market.

The stylish five-door featured a range of six engines, three gasoline and three diesel. The range-topping T5 gas engine actually gets as much torque as the most powerful diesel option in the line at 295 ft-lbs of torque but is more powerful with 254 hp to the diesel’s 177.

Despite that, the oil-burner is sure to be more efficient and probably a better seller as a result, though there are more efficient options on both the gas and diesle sides. The low-end options are  a 1.6-liter inline four in either gas or diesel making 150 hp and 240 ft-lbs of torque or 115 hp and 210 ft-lbs respectively.

The V40 would be a tight-fitting car to some, and probably more expensive than currently-available competition.

Size aside, the Volvo is available with the range of safety features customers know the brand for. Drivers may choose such flagship features as blind spot detection, lane assistance and pedestrian detection among the long list of others.

Drivers more concerned with what’s happening inside their car than on the road will probably appreciate those features. Perhaps more so than that, they might also enjoy the car’s seven mood light settings which are good for adding an extra, though totally unnecessary customization.

The exterior features distinct Volvo style with a wide front, sharp lines and the typical pinched tail lights we’ve come to expect from the brand.

It’s unfortunate that there won’t be any of them for sale in the U.S., but the niche they meet is already well-filled by economy cars like the Ford Focus which offer more interior room and luggage capacity with similar styling.

Sure, it’s not a Volvo, but history has shown us time and time again that luxury hatchbacks struggle in America more often than not.

GALLERY: 2013 Volvo V40

GALLERY: 2013 Volvo V40

Nissan has announced a recall on Quest minivans manufactured from July 29, 2010 through February 21, 2012.

Due to a flaw in its software programming, an insufficient supply of fuel to the engine may occur when the Quest is driven slowly along a descent or idling on a decline with a 1/4 tank of fuel or less. In some cases, the engine may stall.

To address this problem, Nissan will notify affected Quest owners to bring their car to a local Nissan dealer for a reprogramming of its engine control module, free of charge.

Nissan will begin the recall process during mid March 2012. A total of 23,531 units are potentially affected. Concerned Nissan owners may also contact customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Volvo has issued a recall for 17,000 vehicles today, for risk of front/side airbags not deploying in a crash. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of side airbag issues in the past few weeks, but Volvo is very specific about why this occurs.

2012 models of the Volvo S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 are affected.

Volvo states that the issue is with one of its wiring harnesses, that can become disconnected while adjusting a seats position. As a result, side or front airbags may not deploy properly, if at all. Additionally, the seat-belt pretensioner may not deploy as well.

Volvo says that these issues increase the risk of injury when involved in a crash, and are notifying owners if their vehicle is affected.

For more info contact NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at: 1-888-327-4236

Forget about the Geneva Motor Show for a minute. Ignore the sexy exotic cars, the allure, the mystique. Buick is teasing the new Enclave, set to debut at the New York Auto Show on April 4.

GM didn’t give any specific details about the car, but promised that more would be revealed in the coming weeks. For now, we get a dark rendering of the front cabin where the most obvious feature is an updated infotainment system. The release also said the new Enclave will feature industry-exclusive safety features.

While we can’t be sure what that means, it’s probably the same front-center airbag that GMC debuted at the recent Chicago Auto Show in the 2013 Acadia crossover.

Usually our spy photos feature the latest secrets coming out of the auto industry, but one of our photographers happened to get some great shots of a Lamborghini Aventador crashing into a snow drift. 

Obviously this test driver was not well versed in the delicate act that is winter driving, which is especially hard when you have 700 hp under your right foot. Now, if you are worried about the car, or the driver, they both walked away unscathed. The photographer however was not so lucky, as the test driver leaped out of the car and charged the camera.

We must assume that he didn’t want his bad fortune displayed across the internet, but there wasn’t a Lambo’s chance on snow of that happening.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Aventador Snow Crash

A decision expected today regarding a new rule that may make backup cameras mandatory for all new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S., is delayed until the end of the year — at the earliest.

Part of a law signed in 2008 by George W. Bush required the mandate be issued by the end of 2011, but has been delayed twice at this point. The issue is how much money such a rule would cost automakers if it passed.

“While the department has made progress toward a final rule to improve rearward visibility, it has decided that further study and data analysis, including of a wider range of vehicles and drivers, is important to ensure the most protective and efficient rule possible,” the agency said to Bloomberg.

Should it pass, the mandate would be one of the five most expensive pending U.S. regulations, costing $2.7 billion. That cost would fall first to the automaker and most likely to the consumer.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said last week that it would cost between $58 to $203 per vehicle to install such systems, depending on whether or not the car already has a video screen in place.

That cost is something Obama reminded House Republican leaders of on Aug. 30 in a letter. Backup cameras aren’t explicitly required by the law, but it’s the only technology currently capable of meeting the requirements.

[Source: Automotive News]

The new Volvo V40 might be one of the most attractive hatchbacks that you can’t have. Sorry, but that’s just how it goes. Europeans get the freedom of choice to take a fifth door in elegance, Americans don’t.

We have been covering the new Volvo V40′s slow release ahead of the Geneva Motor Show for over two months but the jig is up.

Volvo Cars North America head of public relations Geno Effler made an announcement via email that, “the V40 is not coming to the United States.” What’s more, Effler wrote that “the V40 is not replacing an existing model; it is a new model.”

2011 marked the final model year for the Volvo V50 wagon, thus making the aging Volvo XC70 the final station wagon in the Swedish Automaker’s North American line-up. The Swedish automaker’s shift away from offering station wagons that first distinguished the brand to Americans is a strong signal that demand for the practically-minded cars is falling fast in the U.S.

GALLERY: Volvo V40

[Source: autoblog]

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood doesn’t like seeing people using cell phones behind the wheel, but who does?

It poses danger to everyone in the immediate vicinity, including the reckless chatterbox in question. What, then, should be done if you happen upon one of these miscreants during your morning commute?

LaHood has the answer: pull up to the offender and test your car horn’s limits. Hold the sucker down until your noise overpowers the conversation in violation. Why not, what harm could come of such vigilantism?

While that might be more agressive than what he actually does, LaHood said he drives around Washington on the weekends, seeking out cell phone users in the hopes of honking at them. He sees it as a personal responsibility of sorts.

After all, calling the police in that situation is both hypocritical and illegal. There aren’t any reports that LaHood’s weekend hobby has caused a crash, but thinking there’s a raging maniac beside you might be good cause to look away from the road. Here’s to hoping that nothing bad happens.

[Source: WTOP]

Nissan is recalling 79,275 vehicles after finding that an improperly tightened fuel pressure sensor may lead to gas leaks and an increased risk of fire.

The vehicles affected are certain 2011-12 Jukes, Infiniti QX and Infiniti M vehicles. The leak is prone to happen because of heat and vibration, loosening the sensor and allowing the leak.

Owners driving an affected vehicle can expect Nissan to contact them directly and repair the issue free of charge. If you have any concerns, you may also contact Nissan customer service at (615) 725-1000 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new test dummy yesterday in an effort to further improve its crash testing procedures.

The new dummy weighs 74 pounds and is meant to simulate a child nearing the maximum recommended size for a car seat: 80 pounds. That figure was recently revised by NHTSA, where the group previously suggested children shoudl remain in car steats until their grew past 4 feet, 9 inches tall or were older than eight.

“Our new dummy is an excellent addition to NHTSA’s extensive child seat compliance testing program and will enable the agency to gather the best data yet on the performance of higher-weight child seats,” said David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator.”Even as we begin to reap the benefits of this new tool, NHTSA is already looking down the road and has research under way to further improve the dummy.”

Scientific studies suggesting heavier weight recommendations for children remaining in auxiliary restraints like car seats caused a shift in statistics as children remained in them later. That in turn forced NHTSA to add the dummy meant to mimic a typical 10-year-old child.

“It’s good news that manufacturers are making more car seats and boosters than ever before designed to keep older and heavier children safer on our roadways,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The new test dummy breaks new ground for the Department’s crash test program and is a significant step forward for evaluating child seat performance.”