A defective airbag that has been linked to one death and 11 injuries in the United States over the past few years is still haunting Honda as the company today announced that it is adding 437,763 cars to its existing global safety recall over the airbag inflation problem.

The expanded recall is concentrated mainly in the United States, where nearly 378,758 vehicles are affected, but the latest announcement also covers Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and Australia.

The models added to the list concern certain 2001 and 2002 Honda Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, 2002 Pilot, 2002 Acura CL and selected 2002 Acura TL vehicles.

According to the automaker, the driver's airbag inflators in these vehicles may deploy with too much pressure causing the inflator casing to rupture and send metal fragments through the airbag cushion material possibly resulting in injury or even fatality to vehicle occupants.

Honda first issued a recall on the matter on less than 4,000 model year 2001 Accord and Civic back in November 2008. After the original recall, the Japanese automaker said that two additional incidents were reported, including one fatality from a vehicle not included in that recall.

That led Honda to expand the recall in July 2009 to include approximately 440,000 model year 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic and certain 2002 Acura TL vehicles.

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Boasting a completely new chassis and updated mechanical hardware, the new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado made its official debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. And if it looks no different than the 2010MY, that's because General Motors focused its attention on what matters most for work trucks the chassis and engine lineup resulting in improved payload and trailer capability as well as better fuel economy.

The most significant change to the 2011 Silverado is the all-new, fully-boxed frame assembly. GM says that the bending and beaming stiffness of the frame is increased 92 percent and 20 percent, respectively, with the fully boxed sections enhancing torsional stiffness by a factor of five.

There's also a redesigned independent front suspension system that offers up to a 25-percent greater front axle weight rating – up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR), while at the back, there's new, larger asymmetrical leaf-spring design.

The standard four-wheel disc system has also been upgraded with a set of larger 14-inch front and rear rotors while Duramax-equipped models now get a new exhaust brake system.

Under the hood, GM re-engineered the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 diesel delivering more power and torque along with an 11 percent increase in fuel economy on the highway.

The Duramax is linked to an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission that has been strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the improved diesel engine.

The company said that with the Duramax/Allison combination, preliminary testing showed 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16 seconds in 2500HD models. That's about 0.3-second and 0.5-second quicker, respectively, than previous models.

For those that prefer gasoline fuel, the Vortec 6.0-liter V8 with variable valve timing returns to the new heavy-duty trucks, along with a strengthened version of the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.

Detailed specifications on both engines are to be released at a later date.

So what does all this mean in terms of towing and payload capability? According to GM, the maximum conventional (ball hitch) towing rating has been increased to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg), while the 3500HD crew cab/long box can tow up to 20,000 pounds (9,091 kg) with a fifth-wheel hitch. The maximum payload capability for the 3500HD is 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg).

As for the styling updates, most will find it hard to spot the differences as they are limited on the outside to a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, restyled grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper plus a new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations.

The new Silverado will go on sale in the States this summer.

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Together with a full set of images and detailed specs, Volvo also published several video clips of the all-new 2011 S60 sedan including a short promotional film, driving footage, beauty shots and even one that shows the car slamming into a wall during the safety tests.

The new Swedish mid size sedan with the refreshing styling will have its formal debut at the Geneva Salon next month and go on sale this summer.

At launch, the 2011 S60 will offer a menu of two petrol and two diesel engines (depending on the market) including a new 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit with 203HP. Watch the videos after the break.

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Created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Datsun 240Z, Nissan's special edition 370Z is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. towards the end of the month with pricing set at $38,860 not including destination fees. The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will be offered in the States only as a coupe with production limited to 1,000 units.

The commemorative edition is based on the 370Z Touring model equipped with Sport Package and 6-speed manual transmission adding several unique features such as "40th Graphite" exterior finish and special red leather-appointed interior.

Other exclusive features for the 40th Anniversary Edition include a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front shock tower brace.

In the interior, aside from the red leather seats, there are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary debossed seatback and floormat embroidery, red stitching on the shift boot and kneepads, center stack and steering wheel plus an interior 40th commemorative plaque of authenticity.

Finally, every 40th Anniversary Edition Z will come with a commemorative satin car cover.

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Before we tell you what's new about the JDM Vanguard, allow us to clarify that the latest generation Toyota RAV-4 is available in two wheelbase versions, with Europe and Japan getting the SWB variant and North America, the LWB model that is also sold in its home market with a different nose job under the name Vanguard.

Now to the updated Vanguard that was launched in Japan today. For 2010, the Vanguard benefits form a few minor cosmetic tweaks that include the restyled grille and front bumper, the new alloy wheel designs and fresh body trim.

Inside, Toyota added new standard features and redesigned the steering wheel together with the paddle shifters that are said to be more ergonomic.

Finally, the Japanese firm's engineers made a few changes to the Vanguard's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

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Only moments after our previous post on the new A1, and Audi formally introduced its new premium supermini that will take on the MINI Cooper and its like. Poised as a true, fully-fledged Audi, the A1 will be launched initially as a three-door hatchback with a more practical five-door Sportsback model set to follow shortly after.

The A1 supermini was first previewed over two years ago, when Audi showed the three-door Metro Project Concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, followed in 2008 by the five-door A1 Sportback study in Paris.

The production model has remained extremely close to the original Metro Project concept, as it even keeps the color-contrasted roof arches that will be optionally available in a variety of shades. The most significant change concerns the newer interpretation of Audi's single-frame, five-point grille.

Though featuring less extravagant materials and production switchgear, the interior has also been carried over almost unchanged from the concept model. Special attention has been given to the styling of certain elements such as the four round air nozzles that are said to resemble the turbines of a jet.

Audi is following in the footsteps of MINI offering its new car with many customizable options including colored air nozzles, LED interior lighting packages, and seat covers in many different hues.

As you may have already figured out by now, the A1 is loosely based on the VW Group's small car architecture that includes the latest VW Polo and Skoda Fabia, with the chassis having been revised to offer greater driving pleasure.

Audi's iteration measures 3.95 meters (12.96 feet) in length, 1.74 meters (5.71 feet) in width and 1.42 meters (4.66 feet) in height and has a wheelbase of 2.47 meters (8.10 feet).

It's luggage compartment has a base volume of 267 liters (9.43 cubic feet) and comes with a double cargo floor as standard. The A1's split rear seat can be folded down to increase luggage capacity to roughly 920 liters (32.49 cubic feet) if loaded to the roof.

Audi is sending the new model into the market with two diesel and two gasoline engines, all of them featuring turbo-charging, direct injection and start-stop technology.

The entry-level gasoline engine is the new 1.2 TFSI that generates 86 hp and produces its peak torque of 160 Nm (118.01 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. Coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, the four-cylinder accelerates the A1 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 12.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 179 km/h or 111mph.

In the EU driving cycle, it consumes 5.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (46.1 US mpg), which corresponds to only 119 grams of CO2/km.

The 1.4 TFSI ups the ante with 122HP and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque that is continuously available between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. Together with the seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission, the 1.4 TFSI gets the A1 up to 100km/h (62mph) in 9.1 seconds and on to a top speed is 200 km/h or 124 mph.

The standard six-speed manual transmission bumps the time for the sprint to 9.2 seconds, without affecting top speed. Average fuel consumption is 5.1 and 5.4 liters/100 km (43.6 and 46.1 US mpg), respectively, in the EU test cycle.

On the diesel front, the first version of the 1.6-liter TDI produces 105HP and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, and is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine accelerates the A1 through the standard sprint in 10.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 187 km/h or116 mph while consuming an average of 3.9 liters/100 km (60.3 US mpg).

The second iteration of the 1.6 TDI generates 90HP and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Coupled with the five-speed manual transmission, it accelerates the A1 from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 179 km/h or 111 mph, while returning a mere 3.8 liters/100 km (61.9 US mpg), which corresponds to 99 grams of CO2/km.

All four engines transmit their power to the front wheels with all A1's being equipped with a standard ESP system that includes an electronic axle-differential lock.

Even though the A1 features a steel-based structure, Audi claims that the A1 is the lightest vehicle in the premium compact class as it tips the scales from 1045kg or 2,303.83 lb.

The A1 will have its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March with sales to follow in Europe shortly after. According to Audi, the entry-level model will be priced at around €16,000 which is equal to US$22,000 at today's exchange rates.

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In less than 24 hours from now, Audi will officially release the first photographs and details on its MINI Cooper-rivaling A1 premium hatchback that will have its formal debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. But since we know that many of you are an impatient bunch, we thought we'd share some facts that we learned about the A1 from an inside source.

First of all, the A1 will be launched onto the market as a three-door model with the five-door Sportback to follow at a later date.

It will be available initially with a choice of two gasoline and two diesel engines, all featuring turbocharging, direct injection and start / stop technology.

The petrol range will comprise of the the 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter TFSI units producing 85HP and 120HP respectively, while on the diesel front there's a 1.6-liter TDI available in 90HP and 105HP guises.

All four engines deliver their power to the front wheels through a manual gearbox, with Audi's seven-speed dual clutch transmission being available optionally on certain models.

And well, that's about it for now. Stay tuned for the full reveal on Wednesday.

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Merc's Smart brand is continuing its series of special edition versions of the Fortwo microcar with the presentation of the Greystyle edition that stands out thanks to its unique color combinations inside and out.

Available as a coupe or a cabrio with a 71HP petrol engine with micro hybrid drive technology (a.k.a. start and stop technology) or a 84HP petrol engine, the Greystyle Fortwo comes in an exclusive matt dark grey finish with matching 15-inch alloy wheels and contrasting yellow mirror caps.

The same color theme is found in the interior that combines dark colored fabric and high-quality nappa leather upholstery with yellow accents and trim parts.

Standard features include unique floor mats with the edition logo and the MP3-compatible CD radio smart radio 9. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment and the smart sound system with MP3 interface are optionally available.

The special edition Fortwo Greystyle is on sale now with prices in Germany starting from €16,135 or about US$22,200 (including VAT).

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Infiniti today released pricing on the 2010 model year G37 Convertible that is now on sale in the U.S. For the new model year, the G37 Convertible features added content and some minor interior updates that are limited to the white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display, the new available high-gloss Maple interior trim accents and a new center console design for automatic transmission-equipped models.

Both the 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual gearbox models gain power-folding exterior mirrors, automatic anti-glare interior mirror with 'Homelink', USB connectivity and bluetooth hands-free-phone system.

In addition, the previously optional Premium Package equipment (priced at $3,050) that includes several features such as a Bose Open Air Audio system with 12 speakers and 2GB memory, and climate controlled front seats with cooling feature, is now standard on the G Convertible Sport 6MT model.

These updates / upgrades result in a $500 increase in the price of the Automatic model that now starts from $44,850 and $3,050 in the Sport 6MT version that has an MSRP of $46,950, with both prices including destination and handling charges.

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BMW's British arm announced today that it has joined forces with Streetcar, one of the UK's largest car clubs, giving drivers the chance to loan a new bimmer for less than £7.

Renting a BMW 1-Series for as little as £6.95 (equal to €7.9 or US$10.8) and a 3-Series for £8.95 (€10.2 or US$14) sure sounds tempting, but is there a catch to Streetcar's offer?

Well, of course there is. That kind of money will buy you only an hour's worth of driving time in the BMW 116 / 118d five-door hatchback and the 318d saloon respectively.

Not a bad deal if you want to rent a bimmer for a couple of hours but it gets less tempting as time increases with the 1 Series costing £69.50 for a whole day, £225 for Monday through Friday, £345 for 7 days and £895 for a whole month.

Prices for the 3 Series are even more steep with Streetcar asking for £89.50 for 24 hours, £295 for Monday to Friday, £445 for a week and £1,095 for a month.

The company said that it has more than 1,000 locations across a seven cities in the UK including London, Brighton, Cambridge, Southampton, Guildford, Maidstone and Oxford, but it aims to increase this number to 2,000 by 2011.

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